Van Gaal has sympathy for Manchester United over Midtjylland ticket prices

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he understands the frustration of travelling Red Devils fans who are upset at ticket prices for the Europa League clash with FC Midtjylland in Herning on Thursday.

The Danish champions are charging away supporters £77 a ticket, a stark increase on the £22 Southampton supporters payed to watch their team in action against Midtjylland in an earlier stage of the competition.

“Of course I support the fans,” van Gaal said.

“It is a big difference from the price of the game against Southampton. It shows you that Manchester United is a big team in this world.

“In the Netherlands you also have a big difference in prices but this is a lot. I have very much sympathy for the fans.”

Midtjylland boss Jess Thorup defended the pricing structure used by his club.

“I knew this question was coming,” said Thorup.

“How can I say it? This is probably the biggest game in the history of this club. I am very satisfied that club decided to play in Herning, although we could have moved to a bigger stadium to get more spectators and earn more money.

“I have not heard a lot from our fans about the price, and even though everybody pays the same I think it is a fair price. I think I don’t have to go into this but I hope everybody gets value for their money.”